The 1970s were a dismal time for American car enthusiasts, as the muscle cars—in their truest form—were dying off. The tire-shredding nameplates of the 1960s had vanished, and once-proud engines like Chrysler’s 440, GM’s 454, and Ford’s 429 were either killed off or evolved into anemic versions of their former selves. Then in the mid-1970s, OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) began to limit oil exports to the U.S., thus kicking off the energy crises. That was followed by new CAFE regulations put in place by Congress. In short, the automotive world was changing, and it was a trying time for those who thrived on Detroit iron.

Hurst had some winners with Oldsmobile, and I loved the 1970 Chrysler Hurst 300. Hurst Shifters were a bragging point without question. Many people don’t know George Hurst invented the Jaws Of Life after seeing a stock car accident.